Established in 1993, the Engen Trophy is awarded for “… a record of lifetime achievement; or a single event; or a series of acts by an individual; a team; or by a corporation or organization that reaffirms the Wright Brothers’ standard of excellence in aviation.”
On November 17, 2022, Stephen Alterman, President of the Cargo Airline Association was awarded the Donald D. Engen Aero Club Trophy for Aviation Excellence.
Previous recipients include Herb Kelleher, the STS-114 Discovery Shuttle Crew, Scott Crossfield, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the 2021 recipient, Linda Hall Daschle. The permanent trophy resides in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.
Stephen Alterman began his career in aviation in 1968 in the Bureau of Enforcement for the United States Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). Initially hired as a Trial Attorney, he was soon promoted to Chief of the Legal Division. He joined the Cargo Airline Association in 1975 as Executive Director and was named President in 1982. For the last 40 years, Alterman has led the association in promoting the all-cargo air carrier industry, formulating industry policy, and overseeing the association’s daily activities.
Alterman’s expertise and professionalism are universally respected and valued by both industry and government. Throughout his career, he has volunteered to serve on countless committees, commissions, and advisory boards, including the FAA Management Advisory Council; Aviation Security Advisory Committee; National Freight Advisory Committee; FAA Research, Engineering, and Development Advisory Committee; and the Federal Airport Noise Working Group. Alterman is also a strong supporter of sensible efforts to reduce the environmental impact of aviation.
“Steve Alterman exemplifies why the Engen Trophy was created,” said Jana Denning, President of the Aero Club of Washington. “He is a mentor, a policy expert, and truly reaffirms the Wright Brothers’ standard of excellence in aviation.”
